100b has not, in the past, been shy about our love of The Decemberists. With last month’s release of The Hazards Of Love, The Decemberists have five studio albums, plus numerous EPs, covers, and b-sides to their name. They’ve got a little of everything: humor, tragedy, history, odd characters, ballads, songs to shout along to, hard rock, traditional melodies – and so much more. That’s a lot of goodness to try and narrow down to one single song. So here we go: what’s the very best Decemberists song – in 100 words or less? (Play along in the comments if you think we got it wrong!)

aDawgg:

The Decemberists recall a bygone era. Their songs spin yarns, so the key to enjoying them is listening with your brain and not being guided by your gut. “Yankee Bayonet” is the story of rebel love lost during the American Civil War. A woman from South Carolina pines over the love she and her unborn child lost at the Battle of Bull Run, while the soldier recalls how she captured his heart and tells her to remember him in the land they both cherish. From the instruments they use to the lyrics they sing, The Decemberists are true modern troubadours.

Bean:

This was incredibly difficult – eliminating a song felt like dismissing a friend. In a way, these songs are friends. The characters are so detailed and vivid, you sort of know them – Eli and his lost love, the Shankill Butchers prowling the streets, poor Miranda and her sinister suitor. But, although I love those songs, none are as rich as the Mariner and his relentless pursuit of revenge. It’s a damn complicated story, with extra tension provided by the varying tempos and increasingly frantic instrumentation. It perfectly demonstrates what makes The Decemberists one of my favorite bands of all time.

Tamboosh:

The Decemberists give me glimpses at the peaks of joy and the depths of sadness, but also often make me feel illiterate and uncultured. No other band makes me want to pick up a book as much. In this time of disposable songs that lose their shine and novelty after two listens, it’s a thing to cherish. “Engine Driver” has my heart, but seeing “I Was Meant For The Stage” live made clear they weren’t just another fleeting fancy. I still don’t know what I’m meant for, so the passion and determination this song conveys is beautiful and painfully enviable.